On Thursday, the NHL reached a decision regarding the situation regarding former New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner.
The league and its Players Association announced that the club would pay the netminder, but his cap hit would come off the Vegas Golden Knights’ salary cap.
Sources say a resolution has been reached on Robin Lehner situation with @GoldenKnights.
Lehner will NOT be on Vegas’ salary cap this season. Believe Lehner will still be paid.
Big win for the Golden Knights, who likely will not have to operate in LTIR to start the season.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 3, 2024
Lehner’s cap hit will be on Long-Term Injured Reserve for the entirety of the 2024-25 season.
The situation began last Monday when Lehner failed to report to Vegas for the team’s physicals. Lehner hadn’t appeared in an NHL game since 2022 when he’s since been recovering from hip surgery.
“All I can say at this time is everyone knows why I couldn’t be there,” Lehner said in a statement to SportsNet. “I am waiting calmly for things to be sorted out.” General Manager Kelly McCrimmon said he was still deemed “unfit to play” following his absence.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
After becoming a Golden Knight, Lehner played to a 39-21-4 record with a 2.61 GAA and .910 SV% in 66 games. He joined Vegas in a Trade Deadline move in 2020 before signing a five-year, $25-million deal the following offseason. His last appearance came on April 20, 2022, against the Washington Capitals.
However, Lehner is most well-known for his one-year stint on Long Island. With the Islanders, he played 46 games, pitching to a 25-13-5 record, 2.13 GAA and .930 SV%.
He also took home a split of the Jennings Trophy with Thomas Greiss as the tandem with the fewest goals allowed that season.
Lehner also won the Bill Masterton Trophy for his dedication to the game, work as a mental health advocate, and journey to sobriety.
As part of his run with the Golden Knights, Lehner made his return to Long Island on Dec. 19, 2021, where he got the chance to say thank you to the Islanders’ fans.
Now, almost three years later, Lehner is trying to find his way back to the game, with his future beyond this year unknown.
TOP STORIES
Related: Lamoriello’s Emphasis On Goaltending A Saving Grace For Islanders As Sorokin Gets Game Ready
Related: The Park, Its Rink Outside UBS Arena Set To Open Friday In Front Of Islanders Season
Related: Long Island Native Keith Kinkaid On Attending Islanders Camp: ‘This Is A Childhood Dream’
